MORE than 150 people attended a service in Rothley to mark the two-year anniversary of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

MORE than 150 people attended a service in Rothley to mark the two-year anniversary of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

An inter-denominational service was held at Rothley Parish Church on May 3, two years on from Madeleine going missing on a family holiday to Praia da Luz, Portugal.

Rev Rob Gladstone said that the chuch was packed, with four times the usual turnout attending the service: “It was meant to be fairly low key but a lot more people came along than I expected.

“That was such a huge encouragement to the family, to see so many people still wanting to pray for them.

“In all our services we pray for missing children and particularly for the McCann family every week. It has never gone away from here, it’s still happening for us.”

Robin Dent, clerk to Rothley Parish Council, said that although the village centre was not the focal point it had been in previous years, villagers still spoke about Madeleine: “We didn’t see what we’ve seen in previous years - I guess the Oprah Winfrey appearance and the church service out of the centre have taken over that.

“However people have definitely noted that it’s two years, and still feel sorry for the family.”

One lady, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s all so sad. Nobody wants to give up hope.

“In the early stages the centre of the village was a picture, full of flowers and yellow ribbons.

“They are gone but I think most people are still thinking about it.”

Another villager said: “We’re all behind them and supporting them but what can you do?”

In a statement issued to mark the anniversary, the McCanns said: “It is two long years since Madeleine was taken. It is two years since we were a happy family of five.